The Federal Government has announced the signing of a regional development agreement over the regional development of the Upper Spencer Gulf in South Australia.

 

Federal Regional Development Minister Simon Crean today joined State Minister for Manufacturing, Innovation and Trade Tom Koutsantonis and Local Government Association of South Australia President Kym McHugh to sign the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Middleback Theatre in Whyalla.

 

 

"The agreement signed today is underpinned by a strong partnership between the three governments that will join the dots between regional development activities, policies and programs.

 

"It signals the Federal Government's commitment to a partnership approach to regional development in South Australia's Upper Spencer Gulf.

 

"The MOU is similar to the place-based agreements that our Government has in place in Northern Queensland, Tasmania, Northern Territory and the Latrobe Valley in Victoria.

 

"The Federal Government is continuing to work in partnership with state and local governments to advance economic diversity on a place-by-place basis—applying good on-the-ground knowledge to drive effective local solutions.

 

Mr McHugh said the agreement will support lasting benefits to the Upper Spencer Gulf community.

 

"The Upper Spencer Gulf is a great place to live and work and this agreement is designed to deliver economic investments and drive the important social infrastructure that goes a long way to keeping people in the region," Mr McHugh said.